Back in 1993, I worked in Leipzig shortly after German reunification, and while I experienced a lot of fascinating beer history during my time there, I have one regret – I never tried Gose. It’s one of those styles I missed out on, even though Leipzig is considered the second home of this ancient beer. But looking back, I did manage to sip on a Berliner Kindl mit Schuss in Berlin, so I didn’t walk away completely empty-handed. If you’re into beers that are a bit off the beaten track, Gose is definitely one to seek out. With its mix of salty, sour, and slightly fruity flavours, it’s a proper adventure for your taste buds.
Gose dates all the way back to the 11th century in Goslar, a town in Lower Saxony. The beer got its name from the Gose River, where mineral-rich water gave the beer its distinctive salty taste. Gose gained popularity and eventually spread to Leipzig, where it flourished during the 1800s. Like many older beer styles, Gose nearly disappeared after World War II, but thanks to the modern craft beer movement, it’s back on tap and enjoying a serious comeback.
What makes Gose different from your typical beer is its ingredients and brewing process. At least 50% wheat gives it that classic hazy, unfiltered look and a light, refreshing body. But here’s where it gets interesting: coriander and salt are added to the brew, giving Gose that unique salty-sour edge. Lactic acid bacteria bring a tartness that really sets this beer apart.
In Leipzig, Gose is traditionally served in a tall, narrow glass, often with a slice of lemon to boost the flavour. The brewing process used to involve open fermentation, where wild yeasts floating in the air would add their own complexity to the beer. It’s an old-school style with layers of history, and you can almost taste the tradition with every sip.
Gose is an ideal summer beer – light, refreshing, and perfect when you’re chilling at a braai or hanging by the pool. The salty-sour combination works brilliantly with food too, especially seafood, grilled meats, or anything with a bit of spice. It’s a beer that not only quenches your thirst but also elevates your meal, making it a favourite for foodies who love experimenting with pairings.
While Leipzig holds the crown for Gose, brewers around the world have started adding their own twists to this ancient style. You’ll come across fruity versions with berries or citrus, and some brewers even push the boundaries with tropical flavours.
If you’re looking for the real deal, the Bayerischer Bahnhof Gose in Leipzig is the place to experience Gose in its purest form. They played a key role in reviving the style in the 1980s, brewing it with traditional ingredients like coriander and salt, giving you a taste of Leipzig’s beer history in every glass.
Gose is one of those beers that breaks the mould – it’s salty, sour, and full of surprises. Whether you’re enjoying it with a seafood braai or just kicking back on a sunny day, it’s a beer that offers something truly unique. If you’re keen to try something different and love beers with a story behind them, give Gose a go. It’s a proper throwback to Germany’s beer heritage, with just enough of a twist to keep you coming back for more. Definitely one for the Beer Troopy adventure – salty, sour, and totally lekker!